Monday, December 13, 2010

Episode 28: Red vs. Green

Happy Holidays from the Night Light Stories household! We have been busy decorating the house, visiting with our family, making cookies and gingerbread houses, and trying to soak in all the sights, sounds, and smells around us! Our son has been checking each morning for snow out the window. It hasn't happened yet, to his disappointment, but with all this cold weather, we don't think he'll have to wait long!

VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! In our story there are many

juicy words that are fun to use and say.

competition: a contest for some prize, honor, or advantage.deflect: turn from a true course or straight line.frolic: playful behavior or action.inspiration: something inspired, as an idea.intercept: to take posession of (a ball or puck) during an attempted pass by an opposing team.

JUST ADD IMAGINATION!

Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing after hearing the story.

1. Jack Frost told the team that they “stink, stank stunk”. Since he is the coach, part of his job is to motivate his team. He should have said things that were “inspiring” to them. Make a list of things Jack Frost could have said to his team. For example, pointing out some positive things players were doing that could help them to improve.

2. Design a team jersey for the Mistletoes or the Blarney Stones.

3. Design a team logo for the Mistletoes and/or the Blarney Stones.

For example, the Boston Bruins logo is:

4. The Mistletoes were using candy canes as hockey sticks. Looking around your house, what else could be used as a hockey stick? What else could be used as a puck?

5. While the Elves are in their locker room, the Leprechauns are in their own locker room. Compare the moods of the locker rooms by illustrating each one. How do the leprechauns’ faces look? How do the elves’ faces look?

6. There are 10 players, 2 goalies, and 3 referees on the ice in a hockey game. Using any of these numbers, create a few number story problems to solve. For example: There are 10 players trying to get the puck, 2 of the players' garland laces break and they fall. How many players are left trying to get the puck?

7. Make a list of all the Christmas references you hear in the story.

8. The elves pull “lucky charms” off the tree. Create something that is your lucky charm?

9. Write lyrics and create a tune for a song from Bobby's favorite rockband, "Twisted Tinsel".

11. Do you know the rules for hockey? Learn all about hockey at this website!

12. Believe in yourself! Make a list of all the things you believe in.

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the details to answer these questions?

1. Who is the main character in the story?
2. What were some problems the Mistletoes were having in the first and second quarter?
3. How did Bobby inspire the Mistletoes and himself to get back out there for the third period?
4. Where is the Winter Holiday Hockey Classic being played?
5. Why do the Misteltoes' think the Leprechauns have all the luck?

The Announcers Box

In our story, we have two announcers recapping the third period for you. These announcers, "Rick Gingerbret" and "Don Cheery" are based on some famous hockey announcers that Mr. Chris grew up listening to in Buffalo. The real announcer, Rick Jeanneret, is known for some great calls and some of them are used in the story as an homage. Listen to Rick Jeanneret's Top 10 calls!

Welcome!

Night Light Stories is a podcast featuring original children's stories. Written by a husband and wife team, these narrations were brought to life while sitting by the friendly glow of a child's night light. We invite you now to share these stories with your own family, at night, in the morning, or anytime ... anywhere. You can download and listen to the stories for free on the blog or iTunes!